SEED INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS

What are innovations in the seed industry and what do they do?

GPS mapping, drones and remote sensing, internet devices and sensors all contribute to increased efficiency and productivity, reduce input costs and environmental impacts and enhance decision making and resource management

What is variable rate seeding?

dont put same amount of seed uniformly across pasture as some areas of soil may be more fertile and some ground may be more soggy, same goes with fertiliser

What are environmental implications of seed industry innovations?

resource efficiency - precisionag and biotech advancements can lead to more efficient use of water, fertilisers and herbicides decreasing environmental impact, biodiversity and ecosystem health

What are social implications of seed industry innovations?

food security and farmer livelihood improvement and ethical considerations of ensuring equitable access to advanced tech

What aspects are seeds tested for?

germination, vigour, viability, moisture content, seed health, genetic purity

What are endophytes?

fungi that live inside plants, as the seed germinates the endophyte grows into emerging plant and go up stem to seed for next season

What endophyte aspects are seeds tested for?

endophyte presence, percentage of seeds with endophytes, and endophyte viability

What do endophytes do?

give pasture growth benefits for specific conditions

How can endophytes help avoid animal health problems?

decrease palletability of plants so animals don’t eat them e.g. avoid ryegrass staggers - a neurological disorder that affects animals causing muscle tremors, and uncoordinated movement, need to screen new endophytes to ensure they wont cause this in animals

What are the differences between perennial ryegrass and tall fescue?

ryegrass: is fast and easy to grow, production in <24C, prefers stable and fertile soils, can crowd out clover but SE can cause ryegrass staggers, but tall fescue: is slower to grow, more tolerant of heat and water, integrates w clover and is safe for cattle

What disease can result from tall fescue?

ergot disease

What is a development of tall fescue called jackal?

unpalatable, deterrs animals so is used around airports and golf courses